2024 Mystery Margaret River Chenin Blanc Deal No. 6348

Chenin Blanc can be crisp and simple, or it can be this. The fruit was hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed straight into French oak puncheons, a quarter of them new. It fermented on its own wild yeasts, with plenty of solids left in for texture. Regular lees stirring followed, then around nine months in oak. It comes from a family-owned estate whose vineyard is certified organic. They farm without toxic chemicals and focus on keeping the soil healthy. All the fruit is estate-grown. This bottling sits in the estate’s limited-release range, a step above its everyday wines. Sam Kim scored it 94 points. He found golden apple, mango, lemon curd and oatmeal over a generous, textured palate. Ray Jordan liked that the oak and lees build creaminess without burying the fruit. Expect ripe pear, golden apple and stone fruit, with lemon zest, a little tropical lift and a creamy texture. Bright acidity keeps it fresh. It’s a smart swap for anyone who reaches for oaked Chardonnay by default. Same weight and texture, with a different accent.